F is for Friendship: A Quilt Alphabet

Quilting has existed for thousands of years, spanning the globe, practiced by women as well as men, and bringing together communities and generations. And every quilt tells a story—
whether it’s the fabric used, the techniques employed in its construction, or the design selected by its maker.

In F is for Friendship: A Quilt Alphabet, author Helen L. Wilbur examines the subject of quilting, as an art form as well as an item of utility, tracing its early history from a cave in Mongolia to patchwork bedcoverings transported in overland wagon trains to present-day exhibits at renowned museums.

Topics include patterns, inventions, and fabric choices, as well as well as the role of quilts in American history.

Publishers Weekly – Publishers Weekly
“In this addition to Sleeping Bear’s long-running alphabet series, pleasing rhymes and extensive sidebars focus on the symbolic and utilitarian value of patchwork quilts, while glowing illustrations depict both intimate and communal scenes. Under the gaze of her grandmother’s portrait, a child observes her mother at work: “G is for Generations/ She loved to quilt and then taught me/ its comfort, skill, and artistry.” A depiction of the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall (for “N”) emphasizes the power of quilts to connect and heal (“What weighs 54 tons, got nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and is the world’s largest community art project?”). A sensitive and uplifting homage. Ages 6–10. (Mar.)”

Children’s Literature
“Quilts made of scraps to keep us warm and quilts as works of art in museums are pictured, named, and have their histories told. Quilts may be sewn in patterns such as Log Cabin and Sunbonnet Sue or sewn as Crazy Quilts. Groups like the Gee’s Bend African-Americans, Lakota Sioux, and people of Hawaii have distinctive styles. “Quilts from the Amish and Mennonite communities are prized for their strong, simple designs and superb sewing.” Friendships may be formed at quilting bees. Memories are incorporated into quilts through the materials used. Useful tools are pictured. Each letter of the alphabet is accompanied by two or three paragraphs of information and a four line poem. “J is for Journal: For a bride’s new bed, a baby’s nap, a special day, an empty lap. A quilt can serve in countless ways—a journal of our lives and days.” The picture shows a mother and daughter looking at a book while surrounded by quilts. A quiz on patterns is located at the end of the text. Young and old may enjoy sharing this book.”

From Fiveminutesforbooks.com –
Written on April 11, 2011 by Jennifer
“This is a beautiful book perfect for the adult quilter. …..Quilting is back. It’s not just for grannies. If you love to quilt, you are going to love this book (grannies or recent graduates!). Or if you are looking for a way to share your hobby with a child, this book is perfect.”

Try it on Tuesday: F is for Friendship
June 12, 2012 By Jo 51 Comments
“Welcome to “Try it on Tuesday”. Each Tuesday I “try” something new and review it here:
a gem, a new beautifully illustrated children’s book…The book is a beauty….amazing illustrations.”

examiner.com – Pamela Kramer, March 21, 2011
“beautifully written and illustrated picture book about quilts”